I Should Be Writing

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Mur Lafferty
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Books Arts Education Society & Culture
Audience & Performance Metrics
6.2K - 10.3K listeners Female 4.3 rating 411 reviews 50 episodes USA
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"I should be writing" is what people say, but they rarely do it. This podcast is designed to help you get past those blocks, whether it's what your teacher told you when you were a kid, to being totally sure you'll never be as good as (FAV AUTHOR) so you might as well quit.

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  • mi***@gmail.com
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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on I Should Be Writing.

Hosts

Mur Lafferty

Previous Guests

Natania Barron
Natania Barron is a prolific fantasy author and medieval scholar known for her work in the Queens of Fate series. She explores the intersection of history and fantasy in her writing, and is recognized for her contributions to queer narratives in literature. Barron is also active in the writing community, engaging with fellow creatives and sharing her insights on storytelling.
Premee Mohamed
Premee Mohamed is a prolific and brilliant author known for her contributions to speculative fiction. She is a Nebula and Aurora award-winning writer, recognized for her ability to weave intricate narratives that explore themes of identity, culture, and the human experience. Her latest work, 'One Message Remains,' showcases her talent for creating engaging stories. Premee is also active in the writing community, sharing insights on the creative process and productivity strategies.
Rachel Howzell Hall
Rachel Howzell Hall is an acclaimed author known for her work in the thriller genre, who has recently transitioned into writing fantasy. She is recognized for her ability to weave complex narratives and create engaging characters. Her latest work, 'The Last One', is a romantasy that showcases her versatility as a writer. Hall's writing often reflects her personal experiences and the urgency of storytelling, making her a significant voice in contemporary literature.
Elaine M. Will
Elaine M. Will is a writer and illustrator known for her graphic novels that explore themes of mental health. Her latest work, 'The Last Band on Earth', delves into the intricate relationship between storytelling and visual art, making her a prominent figure in the conversation about creativity and mental health.

Topics Discussed

Medieval Fashion Modern Writing Natania Barron fantasy author queer narratives storytelling community creativity holidays character development plot progression Christmas romances Valentine's Day creative blocks writing process first drafts deadlines productivity outlining techniques Rachel Howzell Hall thrillers fantasy The Last One world-building writer's voice mental health existential dread fear of failure graphic novels visual art

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Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on I Should Be Writing.

0:00 1:01:08

[ISBW] From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron

Hosts
Mur Lafferty
Guests
Natania Barron
Keywords
Medieval Fashion Modern Writing Natania Barron fantasy author queer narratives storytelling community creativity

S21 Ep6: From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron

"Stories are how I make sense of the world."
-Natania Barron

(This post went live for supporters on March 27, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


In this episode, I talk a little about the JoCo Cruise and how it reminded me of the importance of community and creativity. I forgot how good it felt to surrounding myself with fellow creatives.

Then I talk to Natania Barron, a prolific fantasy author and medieval scholar of the Queens of Fate series. We delve into Natania's latest works and discuss the intersection of history and fantasy, the nuances of writing queer narratives, and the significance of food and fashion in storytelling.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.

"From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
March 31, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 6 | murverse.com
"From Medieval Fashion to Modern Writing with Natania Barron" by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
0:00 33:32

[ISBW] How to use holidays in your fiction

Hosts
Mur Lafferty
Keywords
holidays storytelling character development plot progression Christmas romances Valentine's Day

S21 Ep5: Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes

"Engaging with the holidays definitely feels like a way to develop world and character."
-Mur Lafferty

(This post went live for supporters on March 24, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


In this episode, I dive into the significance of holidays in storytelling and how they can shape character development and plot progression. With no guest this week, I talk about my own projects, creative work and admin work both.

I cover Christmas romances that evoke themes of rebirth to the complexities of Valentine's Day, and discuss how different holidays can influence narratives.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.

"Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
February 13, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 5 | murverse.com
"Crafting Tales Through Holiday Themes" by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
0:00 32:48

[ISBW] Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed

Hosts
Mur Lafferty
Guests
Premee Mohamed
Keywords
creative blocks writing process first drafts deadlines creativity productivity outlining techniques

S21 Ep4: Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed

"My characters would be wandering around the field with me going like, hey, I just found a rare orchid." -Premee Mohamed

(This post went live for supporters on March 21, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


(recorded February)
In this episode we welcome prolific, brilliant Premee Mohamed, a Nebula and Aurora award-winning author to talk about her new book, One Message Remains.

. We explore the process of creating clean first drafts, the chaos of deadlines, and the balance between creativity and productivity. And why the cat needs a job.

Premee shares the challenges of producing multiple works in a year and the strategies she employs to keep her creativity flowing. We cover outlining techniques and the importance of not being precious about the writing process.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.

"Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
March 24, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 4 | murverse.com
"Taking a Machete to Creative Blocks with Premee Mohamed" by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
0:00 29:26

[ISBW] Rachel Howzell Hall on Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy

Hosts
Mur Lafferty
Guests
Rachel Howzell Hall
Keywords
Rachel Howzell Hall thrillers fantasy The Last One storytelling world-building writer's voice

S21 Ep3: Rachel Howzell Hall on Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy

"I will try this new thing and I will learn how to do it." -Rachel Howzell Hall

(This post went live for supporters on March 18, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


(recorded February)

In this episode of I Should Be Writing, we dive into the chaotic world of creativity with acclaimed author Rachel Howzell Hall, thriller writer turned fantasy writer. She discusses her new romantasy book, The Last One.

We delve into the importance of urgency in storytelling, the balance of world-building, and the personal experiences that shape a writer's voice.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.

"Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
March 21, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 3 | murverse.com
"Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy" by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
 
0:00 44:25

[ISBW] Mental Health and Creativity

Hosts
Mur Lafferty
Guests
Elaine M. Will
Keywords
mental health creativity existential dread fear of failure graphic novels storytelling visual art

S21 Ep2: Mental Health and Creativity

"Nothing is 100% original. It's what you do with it that counts." -Elaine M. Will

(This post went live for supporters on February 13, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)


Ever-looming existential dread, but we keep going. Then there's the challenge of navigating creativity amidst mental health struggles. I also reflect on a fear of failure. I'm not proud. I'm human.

And then we welcome to the show Elaine M. Will, a writer and illustrator known for her graphic novels that tackle mental health themes. We discuss Elaine's latest work, The Last Band on Earth, and the intricate relationship between storytelling and visual art.

Whether you're a writer or an artist, we hope you'll get something out of this episode, and you remember that a creative journey is filled with ups and downs, and it's okay to take your time.

Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

 

In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.

"Mental Health and Creativity" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS
Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja,
and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.
February 13, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 2 | murverse.com
"Mental Health and Creativity" by Mur Lafferty
is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Ratings

Global:
4.3 rating 411 reviews

USA

4.3 ratings 324 reviews

Canada

4.3 ratings 40 reviews

UK

4.5 ratings 28 reviews

Australia

4.2 ratings 10 reviews

Ireland

5.0 ratings 3 reviews

New Zealand

5.0 ratings 3 reviews

South Africa

5.0 ratings 2 reviews

Singapore

5.0 ratings 1 reviews